Pelini 'fair-weather' clip troubles Nebraska

LINCOLN, Neb. — Hours after Bo Pelini fired back at criticism from one of Nebraska's all-time greats, he had to apologize for a profane rant from 2011 in which he criticized "fair-weather" Cornhuskers fans.

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The sports website Deadspin on Monday posted the audio of Pelini going off on fans and newspaper reporters after a game two years ago.

Nebraska chancellor Harvey Perlman said Monday that he was disappointed by the comments.

"We are taking some time to consider it and what impact it would have on the university," said Perlman, who declined to answer whether Pelini was in danger of losing his job.

Pelini's problematic day came on the heels of a brutal loss. UCLA wiped out an 18-point deficit in Lincoln and beat Nebraska 41-21 Saturday.

The Deadspin audio caught Pelini speaking off air with Husker Sports Network play-by-play man Greg Sharpe before his postgame radio interview after Nebraska's win over Ohio State in October 2011. Pelini had been criticized by fans and media in the days leading to the game, which came a week after a 31-point loss at Wisconsin.

"I want to sincerely apologize for my comments from two years ago, which became public today," Pelini said in a statement released by the school. "I was venting following a series of emotional events, which led to this moment. That being said, these comments are in no way indicative of my true feelings. I love it here in Nebraska and feel fortunate to be associated with such a great university and fan base."

Already Monday, Pelini had responded to criticism from former Huskers quarterback Tommie Frazier, saying if the former Bradenton Manatee High star doesn't like how he's running the program, he doesn't need his support. Frazier, 39, ripped the direction of the program on Twitter hours after the loss to UCLA and called for the firings of Pelini's defensive assistants.

Frazier is a former assistant at Baylor and later went 3-17 in two seasons as head coach at NAIA Doane College in Crete, Neb. He now works in Omaha for a health foundation.

Pac-12 mistake: The Pac-12 reprimanded the officials in Saturday's Wisconsin-Arizona State game for their actions in the bizarre closing seconds. The clock ran out on Wisconsin after quarterback Joel Stave took a knee with about 15 seconds left. Several seconds lapsed as an Arizona State player dove on the ball after the play was blown dead.

Iowa theft: Nine Iowa players and coaches were robbed of cellphones and cash from their locker room during Saturday's win at Iowa State. The Hawkeyes noticed the missing items when they returned to their locker room after they defeated the rival Cyclones 27-21.

Alabama: Running back T.J. Yeldon apologized for actions that drew an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty in the Crimson Tide's victory over Texas A&M.

Minnesota: Athletic director Norwood Teague said he supported coach Jerry Kill, who had another game-day seizure on Saturday. "Jerry is our coach, and we are 100 percent behind him. I am 100 percent behind him," Teague said, adding that Kill, 52, was at work Monday.

Obituary: Former Georgia offensive lineman Scott Adams, who played for several NFL teams including the Bucs, died Monday near Athens, Ga. The former All-SEC pick was 46.